While Christmas is about family, New Year’s can feel like an entirely different struggle. A new year is a fresh start for many, but for those grieving, it often feels like a painful reminder. Another year without them. Another step farther from the time you had together. It’s a lot to process.

This time of year can also bring up big questions about who you are now. Loss changes us, and you might find yourself asking, “Who am I without them?” It’s not a question you have to answer right away, but it’s something to sit with as you figure out how to move forward while still holding onto their memory.

 Staying Connected into the New Year

• Private Rituals: Write them a letter, visit a favorite spot, or say a quiet goodnight prayer.

• Share Their Story: Talk about them with friends or family. Keeping their memory alive through stories can be a beautiful way to stay connected.

• Symbolic Gestures: Write down a message to them and release it—maybe with a balloon or into a river or the ocean.

The Invisible String of Love

There’s a wonderful children’s book called The Invisible String that talks about how love connects us to the people we care about, no matter where they are. It’s a comforting idea: our hearts are tied together by invisible strings, and that love never goes away, even if the person is no longer here. It just changes. This idea can help remind us that grief isn’t about letting go. It’s about finding new ways to hold on while adjusting to life without them physically present.

 Growing Into a New Identity

Grief doesn’t just change your emotions; it can also change how you see yourself. When you lose someone important, you might feel like a different version of yourself. And that’s okay. Part of the grieving process is figuring out who you are now and how to move forward with their love still a part of you.

This holiday season, be kind to yourself. Let yourself grieve, remember, and honor your loved one in ways that feel right to you. Love is the thread that connects us all, no matter where we are. And as you navigate these difficult days, know that it’s okay to carry that love with you while also stepping forward into a life that’s forever changed but still full of meaning.

Yours in living and loss,

Brenda